Iteris Inc. (NASDAQ: ITI) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) to introduce SEI's advanced Pedestrian Detection sensor to the U.S. market. This collaboration is a response to the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities in the United States, which reached a 40-year high in 2022 with 7,508 deaths reported. The partnership seeks to integrate SEI's radar technology into Iteris' ClearMobility Platform, enhancing pedestrian safety and mobility management across North America.
The Sumitomo Pedestrian Detection sensor, utilizing 24 GHz millimeter-wave radar technology, has been effective in reducing pedestrian-vehicle conflicts in Japan since 2017. Its ability to operate in all weather and lighting conditions, along with proprietary algorithms for tracking pedestrians even when obscured, makes it a groundbreaking solution for various intersection and midblock configurations. Iteris plans to incorporate this technology into its Vantage PedSafe solution, which is designed to protect vulnerable road users by monitoring pedestrian movements and optimizing traffic signal timings.
This initiative is particularly timely, given that 76% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occur in dark conditions, with rates nearly double in lower-income areas. The integration of SEI's sensor technology with Iteris' solutions aims to address these disparities, focusing on improving transportation equity in underserved communities. The technology will provide real-time analytics through Iteris' ClearGuide software, offering insights into pedestrian activity and identifying unsafe areas.
The Vantage PedSafe system enhances visibility and awareness by activating dynamic street lighting, LED beacons, and message signs to alert drivers of pedestrians. It also broadcasts safety warnings to connected vehicles and adjusts signal timing based on real-time pedestrian detection. This collaboration represents a significant advancement towards achieving Vision Zero, an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries, by addressing the specific challenges faced by pedestrians in low-light conditions and underserved areas.
For more information on the technology, visit https://www.iteris.com and https://www.sei.co.jp. This partnership underscores Iteris' commitment to creating safer environments and reducing traffic fatalities, further solidifying its position as a leader in smart mobility infrastructure management.
